The Human League - Don't You Want Me

The Human League released their world-conquering signature hit in the bleak-midwinter of 1981 and thus neatly laid the template for the synth-centric sound of '80s pop.

One of the lesser heard tales of a major label getting it right, the band's lead singer and songwriter Phil Oakey actually fought hard against the release of Don't You Want Me, since he was unhappy with producer Martin Rushent's pop-focussed mix.

Fortunately, Virgin refused to give in and eventually Oakey relented and allowed them to release the track. It quickly went to number one in the UK and then took the top spot in the US the following summer.